Newcastle upon Tyne – The Nada Foundation, founded by Yemeni activist Nada Alahdal, held a landmark event in Newcastle on 13 August 2024 to launch its “Brighter Futures for Women” project. This significant gathering brought together civil society leaders, human rights activists, and representatives from faith-based and community organizations to address domestic violence and child marriage.
Yemeni Roots and Global Advocacy
Nada Alahdal, the Trustee and CEO of the Nada Foundation, shared her deeply personal journey, which began in Yemen. She narrowly escaped child marriage at a young age, and this experience fueled her commitment to advocating for women’s and girls’ rights. In 2017, she established the Nada Foundation in Yemen, which quickly gained international recognition. The foundation received several awards, including the prestigious “With and For Girls” award in London.
Re-establishment in the UK
As the foundation’s influence grew, Nada Alahdal independently re-established it in England and Wales on 21 April 2023, retaining the same name. The foundation has since expanded its mission to reach women and girls across cultures and communities. This event in Newcastle underscores the foundation’s continued dedication to its cause and its ability to mobilize support globally.
Empowering Partnerships
Sam Douthwaite, Event Manager at Gateway Church, emphasized the importance of partnerships between local organizations and global advocates like the Nada Foundation. “Our collaboration with the Nada Foundation has already changed lives,” Douthwaite stated. “Together, we can empower women and girls who have faced unimaginable hardships.”
An Emotional Story of Survival and Advocacy
Nada Alahdal’s speech was the highlight of the event. She recounted her harrowing experiences in Yemen, including her sister’s suicide attempt at the age of 13 to escape a forced marriage and the tragic loss of her aunt, who died at just 12 years old after being coerced into marriage. “If a program like ‘Brighter Futures for Women’ had existed in Yemen back then, perhaps my aunt would still be with us today,” Alahdal shared, her voice filled with emotion. She urged the audience to support the foundation’s mission to prevent such tragedies from happening to future generations.
Community Support through the National Lottery Community Fund
During the event, Nada Alahdal announced a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. This funding will support the Brighter Futures for Women initiative, providing skills training, psychological support, and essential resources to women and girls affected by domestic violence.
Alahdal expressed her heartfelt gratitude: “This generous donation allows us to continue our mission and reach even more women and girls who desperately need our help. The impact of this funding will be felt for years to come.”
Q&A and Networking: Engaging the Community
The event concluded with a Q&A session led by Nada Alahdal and Jashpal Kaur, Trustee and Manager at the Nada Foundation. Attendees posed questions about the foundation’s approach to addressing domestic violence and child marriage. The session was followed by a networking opportunity, where participants connected with other charitable organizations, advocacy groups, and local businesses. Discussions focused on forming partnerships and offering further support to the Nada Foundation’s initiatives.
About the Nada Foundation
Nada Alahdal founded the Nada Foundation in Yemen in 2017 after surviving an attempted child marriage. The foundation quickly gained recognition, winning several awards, including the “With and For Girls” award in London. On 21 April 2023, the foundation was re-established independently in England and Wales. It continues to transform survivors of abuse into empowered women, focusing on legal advocacy, skills training, psychological support, and education.
The Importance of the Event
This event marks a pivotal moment in expanding the Nada Foundation’s efforts to protect women and girls from harmful practices. Through community partnerships and securing vital funding, the foundation is well-positioned to extend its impact across the UK and internationally, while maintaining its deep connections to Yemen and its original mission.
For more information, please visit Nada Foundation.
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